Lower Dauphin High School (LDHS) students were recently recognized for their involvement in the Youth & Government model convention and for their Microsoft Office certification exam results.

A team of 17 LDHS students attended the Youth & Government model convention in Harrisburg, and five were recognized for outstanding achievement.

Nathan Wolfe won an Outstanding Press Social Media award, and Nikolai Wagner won an Outstanding Press Videography award. Emma Thomas was chosen to attend the Conference of National Affairs. Peter Otto and Brenna Tressler were selected as alternates for the National Judicial Competition.

Along with Nathan, Lower Dauphin students participating in a press capacity were Enzo Dreon, Maddie Foreman, Alena Henning, Braylee Klinger, Alexia Kouletsis and Nikolai Wagner. Emma Thomas played a role in the Senate while Michael Estes, Jaime Gallick, Jainee Patel and Claire Rafferty participated in House proceedings. Quinn Madden, Peter Otto and Brenna Tressler served in judicial roles, and Carolyn Clouser and Elizabeth Fredrick were part of the administration. The students' club advisers are Mariann DeNotaris and Rachel Thomas.

While the primary goal of the Youth & Government program is the promotion of responsible citizenship, students may also develop their leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking and debate and public speaking abilities, along with self-esteem. Delegates meet their peers from around the state and are encouraged to respect the views and opinions of others.

Additionally, LDHS senior Roman Wintergrass and junior Laurel Zubler were both named Pennsylvania Champions based on their scores in Microsoft Office certification exams. Roman was recognized for his exceptionally high score on his Microsoft Word exam and was selected to compete at the Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship later in June in Orlando. Laurel was recognized for her score on the Microsoft PowerPoint exam and was also invited to compete at nationals in Orlando.

At the national championship, top-scoring students from across the nation will compete to win scholarships, prizes, trophies and the chance to be named national champion and be eligible to compete in the World Championship at the end of July.